SENIORNET AND THE H.R.C. FOUNDATION BRING FREE COMPUTER ACCESS AND EDUCATION TO LOW-INCOME SENIORS IN NEW ORLEANS

SeniorNet, the H.R.C. Foundation and the New Orleans Central City Economic Opportunity Corporation Senior Center Announce Scholarship-Based Computer Learning Center to Hold their Grand Opening on January 25th

SANTA CLARA, CA – January 24, 2008 – SeniorNet, the world’s leading nonprofit technology educator of older adults, in partnership with the H.R.C. Foundation and the New Orleans Central City Economic Opportunity Corporation (EOC) Senior Center, today announces it will open a new SeniorNet Computer Learning Center on January 25th to bring free computer access and education to low-income seniors in the New Orleans metro area. The opening of this scholarship-based SeniorNet Learning Center is part of a three-year grant from the H.R.C. Foundation to bridge the ‘Digital Divide’ by bringing the life-changing benefits of computer access and education to low-income seniors across the nation.

The Grand Opening event and Open House will take place on January 25th, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Central City EOC Senior Center, at 2101 Philip Street, New Orleans, LA 70113. Press and members of the community are invited to attend.

The H.R.C. Foundation is a private family foundation that funds programs for low-income children and families as well as older adults.

“We were very pleased to award SeniorNet with a grant to bring free computer access and education to low-income seniors in underserved communities throughout the country,” said Mary Leonard, consultant, H.R.C. Foundation. “When we opened the scholarship-based Learning Center at Emmaus Services for the Aging in Washington, D.C., we witnessed firsthand how computer education and online access can change an older adult’s life for the better. We’re especially thrilled to provide this service to older adults in the New Orleans Community.”

Funded through the New Orleans Council on Aging, Mayor of the City of New Orleans through the Office of Recovery and Development Administration, Central City EOC Senior Center exists to serve the needs of the elderly who reside within the Central City Community and provides centralized supportive services to help seniors maintain independence, dignity, and an acceptable quality of life.

“Central City EOC Senior Center offers a wide array of free programs and services to older adults 60 and over, however our computer lab had become so outdated that it was barely usable,” said Tresa J. Morgan, Center Supervisor, Central City EOC Senior Center. “We are extremely grateful to SeniorNet and the H.R.C. Foundation for this grant that provided state-of-the art computers, proven curriculum designed specifically for seniors, and a professional ‘train the trainers’ program for our volunteer instructors; it has completely revitalized our Computer Training program and will enable us to train the hundreds of seniors we currently serve, on computer technology and the Internet.”

“For 22 years, SeniorNet has empowered older adults with computer access and education, however in this digital economy, low-income older adults are still being left behind,” said Kristin Fabos, SeniorNet Executive Director. “SeniorNet is extremely grateful to the H.R.C. Foundation for this grant and is proud to work with Central City EOC Senior Center to contribute such an essential service to the continued rebuilding of the New Orleans community.”

The scholarship-based computer lab at New Orleans, Central City EOC Senior Center is the second of three such computer centers that SeniorNet will open, as part of a three-year H.R.C. Foundation grant.

About the New Orleans Central City EOC Senior Center
Founded in 1965 as one of the six neighborhood centers of Total Community Action, Inc, and incorporated in 1968, CCEOC for three decades has operated the Central City Neighborhood Center and provided programs and services for low income and disadvantaged individuals and families to ease the social and economic conditions that perpetuate poverty. CCEOC has years of experience and leadership in the Central City Community. The organization currently sponsors and manages several community programs, including a Head Start Center for 3 to 5 year-olds; a senior center for persons 60 years and over (55 and over if handicapped); a USDA commodity distribution program; and an economic development initiative. The Central City Economic Opportunity Corporation is governed by a board of 15 directors. An executive and deputy director provides day-to-day management. The corporation has a staff of 28 full-time and part-time employees. The current President is Wali Abdel-Ra'oof, and the Executive Director is Priscilla Edwards.

About SeniorNet SeniorNet (www.seniornet.org) is the world's premier technology trainer and online community for adults over 50. Based in Santa Clara, California and founded in 1986, SeniorNet is an international nonprofit organization that has taught hundreds of thousands of older adults to use computers and the Internet and has enriched the lives of millions through its award-winning website. With a thriving online community and a network of more than 200 locally run Learning Centers in the U.S. and abroad staffed by more than 5,000 volunteers, SeniorNet offers both offline and online destinations to a population that was originally neglected in the information revolution. With sponsorship by major corporations and foundations, private and public donations, and a backbone of individual members and contributors, SeniorNet continues to grow and offer new opportunities to those touched by its mission.

For additional information or to RSVP to the Grand Opening, contact:

Kristin Fabos
SeniorNet
(408) 615-0699
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it